Parking meter system

ABSTRACT

A parking meter includes a housing, processor, memory, network interface, graphical user interface, first camera disposed in the housing and facing outward from the first side of the housing, microphone, speaker, second camera disposed in the housing and facing outward from the housing towards a parking space, a status light, and a payment acceptor. The meter is configured to sense a vehicle&#39;s presence in the parking space, capture an identification of the vehicle, transmit the identification to a remote networked computer system, determine that a parking violation has occurred, transmit the notice to the remote computer system, accept payment of fines, transmit notice of fine payment to the remote computer system, transmit a time of the vehicle&#39;s exit from the first parking space to the remote computer system via the network interface, and reset the parking time period to zero upon the vehicle&#39;s exit from the parking space.

PRIORITY

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/756,854 filed on Jan. 25, 2013, U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/794,596 filed on Mar. 15, 2013, U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/887,319 filed on Oct. 4, 2013 and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/887,324 filed on Oct. 4, 2013, which are all herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

FIELD

The present invention relates to parking meters and, more particularly,to automated parking meter systems.

BACKGROUND

Prior parking meters are known which increase revenues by detecting thepresence or absence of a vehicle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,823,928describes an electronic parking meter system that resets the timingcircuit to zero when a vehicle is no longer detected in the associatedparking space. Such parking meter is placed into operational mode when acoin or other payment method is input into the meter. Then a sonar rangefinder is turned on to detect the presence or absence of a vehicle inthe associated parking space. The sonar range finder is also used toprovide a signal to a microprocessor controller when the vehicle is nolonger in the associated parking space. The microprocessor controllerthen resets the timer.

The above-noted parking meter system may improve revenue, but it doesnot capture parking meter violations. Therefore it does not optimizerevenue or provide a deterrent for parking violators because there arefew parking meter attendants to police the many metered spots in anygiven jurisdiction. Employing more meter attendants is not acost-effective solution either. This problem was addressed by theparking meter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,777,951.

The device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,777,951, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety, is a parking meter system including a camerato record and store the image of the license plate of a parkingviolator. The parking meter includes a microcontroller and a timercoupled with the microcontroller. The payment acceptance means iscoupled with the microcontroller for accepting payment for use of anassociated parking space. The microcontroller initiates the timer for aprepaid parking interval upon receiving a signal from the paymentacceptance means. A vehicle detection means is coupled with themicrocontroller for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle inthe associated parking space. A communications modem is coupled with themicrocontroller. The microprocessor initiates a camera to take an imageof a vehicle upon the vehicle detection means signaling to themicroprocessor the presence of the vehicle in the associated parkingspace after the timer has signaled to the microprocessor the expirationof the prepaid parking interval.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,029,167 and 7,393,134, both of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety, disclose improvements tothe device of the U.S. Pat. No. 5,777,951. However, in both of thesepatents, the microcontroller initiates an interrogation station todirect an interrogation signal at the associated parking space in thearea of the parking space where the license plate of a parked vehicle islocated upon determining the existence of a parking violation.

Taking pictures of the vehicle or its license plate after determining aviolation can be unreliable because an unacceptably high number ofviolations may not be caught if a violation cannot be determined beforethe vehicle leaves the camera's field of view. Therefore, there remainsa need for improved parking meter systems that addresses some or all ofthe drawbacks in the prior art.

SUMMARY

A parking meter according to certain embodiments includes a housing,processor, memory, network interface, graphical user interface, firstcamera disposed in the housing and facing outward from the first side ofthe housing, microphone, speaker, second camera disposed in the housingand facing outward from the housing towards a parking space, a statuslight, and a payment acceptor. The meter is configured to sense avehicle's presence in the parking space, capture an identification ofthe vehicle, transmit the identification to a remote networked computersystem, determine that a parking violation has occurred, transmit thenotice to the remote computer system, accept payment of fines, transmitnotice of fine payment to the remote computer system, transmit a time ofthe vehicle's exit from the first parking space to the remote computersystem via the network interface, and reset the parking time period tozero upon the vehicle's exit from the parking space.

A method of monitoring and managing parking in certain embodimentsincludes sensing a vehicle's presence in a first parking space. Anidentification of the vehicle is determined via a camera and theidentification of the vehicle is communicated to a remote networkedcomputer system. The meter determines that a parking violation hasoccurred due to either an initial grace period expiring withoutreceiving a payment or a parking time period expiring without thevehicle exiting the first parking space prior the parking periodexpiring. Notice of the parking violation is communicated to the remotenetworked computer system. A violation notice is displayed on thegraphical user interface of the meter along with the amount of fine due,and a discount fine amount if the fine is paid before the vehicledeparts the first parking space. The meter communicates status ofpayment of the fine to the remote computer system via the networkinterface and transmits a time of the vehicle's exit from the firstparking space to the remote computer system via the network interface.The parking time period is reset to zero upon the vehicle's exit fromthe first parking space.

A method of managing parking via a parking meter in certain embodimentsincludes receiving a selection of a parking time quantity by a user bythe user providing an input to the meter. A total parking fee iscalculated in response to the selected amount of parking time. Theparking time is subject to variable pricing such that the total parkingfee comprises a first parking rate for a first portion of the selectedamount of time and a second parking rate for a second portion of theselected amount of parking time, wherein the second parking rate beingdifferent than the first parking rate. The first parking rate and afirst subtotal fee portion for the first portion of the selected amountof time is displayed on the graphical user interface. The second parkingrate and a second subtotal fee portion for the second amount of time isalso displayed on the graphical user interface. The total parking fee onthe graphical user interface is further displayed so that the user canquickly and easily appreciate the constituent portions of the totalparking fee.

In certain embodiments, a set of class rules can be applied to changethe parking parameters for a given parking event. The class rules cancorrespond to the identification a particular vehicle or can correspondto an input to the meter. Parking parameters can also be set and updatedby a remote computer system networked to the parking meter.

The present invention in certain embodiments increases revenue comparedto traditional manual parking meters and manual parking enforcementmethods. Traditional parking meters charge for time used or paid for byconsumer. It may not reset when a car leaves, permitting usage by thenext customer of the remaining previously-paid time. It may provide analert to a Parking Enforcement Officer for a violation, which can thenbe manually written and issued. Certain embodiments of the invention canbe configured to automatically reset upon cars departure, and autoenforce any violation without the need for an officer's presence.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides for irrefutable proof ofthe violation with license plate pictures upon entry, violation and exitby the car.

Certain embodiments can perform license plate recognition (LPR) andtransmit the jpg and the ASCII data to a remotely-located networked sitefor query to the respective department of motor vehicles, issuance of acitation through the mail and fine collections.

Certain embodiments can provide for city safety and communitycommunications services. Such services can include, but are not limitedto: fine payments at the meter; scofflaw identification; stolen vehicleidentification; amber alerts; emergency broadcasts; area monitoring forlaw enforcement; car tracking for law enforcement; community messagingfor mayoral and other city notices; sudden emergencies by location,region, or city wide; merchant coupons, merchant advertising, publicnotices, directions, directories, concierge services, summoning ofvehicle help; 911 calls; 311 calls; any calls; summoning of medicalassistance; reporting of fires; summoning police; displaying vendor adsand serving coupons, and others.

A wide variety of payment alternatives and pricing features can beincluded in certain embodiments, including flexible grace periods; finefree insurance; street signage replacement with on screen parkingnotices and regulations; variable pricing by time of day, week, event;progressive pricing by duration of stay; permit parking management byLPR; all centrally managed and remotely distributed by the city parkingdepartment, police or other designated agency. In addition, each cameracan be commanded to allow web-enabled remote viewing via smart-phone,tablet, or computer for lawful surveillance and security applications.Thus, in certain embodiments, the invention is a community kioskpossessing many diverse automated city applications for parking, safety,security, and real-time connectivity to web-hosted management andintegrated communications and can provide a wide variety of cityservices like nothing before.

The above summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention,or describe each embodiment, aspect, implementation, feature oradvantage of the invention. The detailed technology and preferredembodiments for the subject invention are described in the followingparagraphs accompanying the appended drawings for people skilled in thisfield to well appreciate the features of the claimed invention. It isunderstood that the features mentioned hereinbefore and those to becommented on hereinafter may be used not only in the specifiedcombinations, but also in other combinations or in isolation, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a parking meter according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of components of a parking meter systemaccording to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of components of a parking meter systemaccording to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a parking meter according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a parking meter according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a parking meter according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a back view of a parking meter according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an internal component view of a parking meter according tocertain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a parking meter according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a parking meter according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of a parking meter according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a parking meter and road sensoraccording to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a screen shot of a parking meter interactive display screenaccording to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a parking meter system according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a parking meter system according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the operation of a parking meter accordingto certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a violation report screen shot for a parking system accordingto certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a status screen for meters in a parking system according tocertain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a rate block screen for a meter in a parking system accordingto certain embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are views of a meter settings screen in a parkingsystem according to certain embodiments of the invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular example embodiments described. On the contrary, the inventionis to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives fallingwithin the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following descriptions, the present invention will be explainedwith reference to various example embodiments; nevertheless, theseembodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to anyspecific example, environment, application, or particular implementationdescribed herein. Therefore, descriptions of these example embodimentsare only provided for purpose of illustration rather than to limit thepresent invention. The various features or aspects discussed herein canalso be combined in additional combinations and embodiments, whether ornot explicitly discussed herein, without departing from the scope of theinvention,

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated parking meter 100 and anassociated parking space 102. The meter includes a graphical userinterface (GUI) 101. The GUI 101 can be located on one or both of thefront and back sides of the meter. The GUI can be touch sensitive or aseparate key pad can be provided to the meter for data entry, or bothtouch screen and key pad can be provided. The GUI can be configured as abacklit LCD display. A card reader 103 mechanism can also be disposed inthe meter to facilitate card-based payments.

A vehicle 104 is parked in the associated parking space 102. The meter100 includes one or more cameras 106 disposed in its housing. Thecameras 106 are configured to identify the presence and absence of avehicle in the associated parking spot 102. The cameras take images ofthe vehicle, and/or its identification plate 108. The cameras can alsotake video captures as well. The camera shown in FIG. 1 is located toobserve the rear license plate of vehicle 102. However, the camera canbe located directly in front of the vehicle 102 to image its front plate108 instead. Note also that a second camera 106′ is located to image afront plate of the vehicle in a spot behind the vehicle as shown. Thus,one meter can service two adjacent spots.

A single camera can alternatively be used to cover two or moreassociated parking spots by employing a wide angle lens or a movablecamera.

The camera(s) can be within the main meter housing as shown in FIG. 1,or they can be in their own housing on the meter pole or mounted to aseparate location remote from the meter.

The camera captures a digital image of the vehicle and/or its licenseplate. The camera can be a commercially available plate reading cameraor can be any suitable digital camera. An optical character recognitionprocess (license plate recognition or LPR) can be used to extract theplate alpha numerals for transmission to a database or otherdestination.

Referring to FIG. 2, the internal components of the parking meter 100and a parking meter will be discussed. A microcontroller 110, orprocessor, with associated physical memory is disposed inside of thehousing of the meter 100. The software code controlling the operationand function of the meter is stored in the memory. The memory mayinclude one or more non-volatile storage devices and/or one or morevolatile storage devices (e.g., random access memory (RAM)).

Computer readable program code is stored in the memory, such as, but notlimited to magnetic media (e.g., a hard disk), optical media (e.g., aOVO), memory devices (e.g., random access memory, flash memory), etc.The computer readable program code is configured such that when executedby a processor, the code causes the network connected device to performthe steps of the invention described herein. In other embodiments, thedevice is configured to perform steps described below without the needfor code.

A timer 112 is coupled with and controlled by the microcontroller 110.The controller can also count processor clock cycles as a form of timer.The camera 106 is coupled with and in two-way communication with themicrocontroller 110. A payment acceptance mechanism 114 is also coupledwith and sends signals to microcontroller 110. Additional componentssuch as the GUI 101 and any other lights, cameras, sensors, etc. arealso connected in operable communication with the microcontroller.

The payment acceptance mechanism 114 can be configured to accept paymentby any one or more conventional means, including coin, paper bill,token, coupon, credit/debit card, smart phone or a combination thereof.The payment acceptor 114 can also be configured to accept contactlesspayments. In one embodiment of accepting contactless payments, a nearfield communications (NFC) component is disposed in the meter toaccepting mobile payments using, for example, services such as such asGoogle Wallet, PayPal, EZ Pass and Pay Pass. Virtual currencies such asBitcoin and the like can also be accepted. A QRS picture can also bedisplayed on the meter's screen for the user to scan with their phone tosubmit payment with an appropriate application on their phone enablingsuch payment method.

In alternative embodiments, various types of sensors can be used todetect the presence and absence of a vehicle in an associated parkingspot other than by use of the camera. For example, an ultrasonic sensor,a light sensor, a pressure sensor (in the pavement), a magnetic fieldsensor, sonar and radar sensors can all be used as alternatives. Eachcan be incorporated in the meter housing, on a separate mount, orembedded in the road or curb. Any of these alternatives are operativelyconnected to the microprocessor 110, which can determine thepresence/absence of a vehicle based upon the state change informationreturned from the particular sensor employed. The remainder of theoperation and components are as otherwise described herein.

The meter 100 further includes a network interface 109 either integratedinto the microcontroller, or as a separate component. The networkinterface is configured to enable communication with a communicationnetwork (e.g. a local area network (LAN 116), the Internet or World WideWeb), using a wired and/or wireless connection. Network communicationmeans include, but are not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular (HSPA,LTE, GSM, CDMA), DSL, cable, etc. The LAN 116 may include other metersall in communication with a master or main meter for a plurality ofdependent meters. In LAN configuration, the LAN 116 can be connected tothe Internet 118 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The parking system may also include a host or control computer 120 thatgoverns the operation of and/or stores the data from a given number ofnetworked meters. The central or control computer 120 may comprise oneor more servers interfacing with networked storage in a data center. Thecontrol computer 120 is located remotely in a secure location forconvenience and security purposes. The LAN 116, in turn, is connected tothe World Wide Web (i.e. internet) in order to be in communication witha variety of other computing systems, including law enforcement andoperations companies. This way, the data can be securely stored andreviewed by appropriate authorities and the operations of all meters ina given system can be monitored and remotely controlled via a centraloperator.

FIG. 3 provides a communication diagram of certain components of aparking system according to certain embodiments. The parking meter 100includes two vehicle sensors, each associated with a specific parkingspot. The meter 100 periodically queries the sensors to determinewhether a first vehicle 104 a or a second vehicle 104 b is present inthe corresponding space. The meter 100 is also in communication via aLAN, Internet, Intranet, etc. with a back office server or computer 120.Data exchanged with the back office server include occupied/unoccupiedstatus of the monitored spaces, the meter's unique identification data,payment processing information, LPR data, video and image data,maintenance data, operational status, and other data as desired by theoperator and the department of motor vehicle in the municipality wherethe meter is located. The back office SAAS server, in certainembodiments, can also supply the meter with configuration data,including parking rates, and display messages for the meter's GUI.

The meter 100 is equipped with a license plate reading means responsiveto the vehicle identification means employed by the licensing authoritywhere the meter is located. For example, if the license plate providesalphanumeric data, then the meter is equipped to read the alphanumerals.This can be accomplished with equipping the meter with so-called licenseplate reading (LPR) software that reads or converts the image of thelicense plate taken by the camera(s) to alphanumeric text. If the plate(or other part of the vehicle) is equipped with a radiofrequency ID tag(RFID), then the meter is equipped with an RFID tag reader. And if theplate (or other portion of the vehicle) is equipped with a machinereadable barcode or transmitter/receiver (e.g. a matrix barcode) thenthe meter is equipped with a transmitter receiver (to read plate, yin,driver info) or with a bar code reading device. The reading means ineach instance is in operable communication with the microprocessor.Multiple reading means can be included in a single or multi-space metersystem to allow the system to adapt to a variety of licensingmethodologies.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-9, a first example embodiment of a meter isshown. The meter includes an outer housing 105 or enclosure that housesand protects the various components of the meter. The housing 105 ismoisture and impact resistant since it is exposed to rain, snow andother elements. Also, light impacts to the housing may be delivered bypeople and objects, so the enclosure is generally formed of ruggedmaterials such as metals or impact resistant plastics. Exampledimensions are indicated in FIGS. 4-5, but the dimensions can be alteredwithout departing from the scope of the invention unless specificallyrecited in a given claim.

The meter enclosure 105 includes on a first or front side a microphone,speaker and camera interface area 122 so that the user can interact withthe meter and/or operator/concierge/other person via words and/orimages. Images are displayed to the user via screen 101. The screen 101can be touch-responsive (capacitive, pressure sensitive, etc.) andinclude a plurality of soft buttons 124 displayed on the screen so thatthe user can select various options, services and retrieve data. Hardnavigation buttons 126 can be provided in addition to, or in thealternative to, the screen being touch sensitive. For example, a “home”button and a “back” button can be provided.

The housing internal components can be accessed via t-handle 128 withintegral lock.

Both coin slot 130 and credit card reader 132 are defined in the housingfor payment acceptance. Additionally, a contactless payment region 134can be defined on the meter for payment via NFC or other contactlesspayment means.

A plurality of status lights 136 are also defined in the meter. At leastone light corresponds to a respective parking space and can use colorcoding to quickly indicate status to the user. For example, green colorcan be designated as being within the prepaid parking time, yellow todesignate grace period and/or prepaid parking time about to expire, andred to designate a violation has occurred. The colors can be varied,increased in number, and also flashing modes incorporated, to conveyadditional levels of urgency and status to the user.

Referring now to the opposing, or back/rear, side of the meter housingin FIG. 7, additional features are shown. It should be noted that thefront/back are relative terms and are used here merely for convenienceand clarity of the disclosure. The status lights 136 are repeated onthis side of the meter for enhanced visibility. The camera outlets 138are shown adjacent to one another. In this illustration, the cameras arearranged in a side-by-side configuration with protruding housings sothat the viewing angle corresponds to a respective parking spot.However, the cameras can be arranged in an over-under stackedconfiguration instead of the side-by-side configuration shown. Thevertically stacked configuration allows for a slimmer width of the meterand also reduces likelihood of blocking the adjacent camera due to thedistance that a camera housing projects outward from the side of themeter side surface. Additionally, the cameras can be recessed into thehousing to achieve the desired viewing angle versus protruding as shownin FIG. 7.

An ultra-sonic sensor 140 is provided corresponding to each parkingspace being monitored by the meter. The sensors are used to determinethe presence/absence of a vehicle in the respective space. It should beunderstood that alternative occupancy monitoring means discussed hereincan be employed in alternative embodiments.

Infrared (IR) lights 142 are also provided corresponding to eachmonitored parking space. The IR lights 142 illuminate the vehicle'slicense plate to allow the plate to be better photographed compared tomerely using ambient light.

FIG. 8 illustrates the meter with the front half of the housing removed.The status lights 136, IR lights 142, vehicle sensors 140 and cameras106, 106′ can be seen. In addition, the microprocessor or CPU 110 isshown, along with a power supply 144 and internet gateway interfacecomponent 146.

Referring to FIGS. 8-9, a standardized coin can (tall or short) 148securely resides in the enclosure 105 behind a coin door 150. The doorallows access to the coin can without opening the enclosure 105.Locating the door 150 on the side of the meter increases the availableuseful surface area on the front and back sides of the meter. However,front and rear-located coin doors are within the scope of the inventionunless location is specifically recited in the claim. The coin can 148,door 150 and coin slot 130 can be eliminated if it is desired topreclude payment via coins.

FIGS. 10-11 show an alternative embodiment of the parking meteraccording to certain aspects of the invention. The meter 200 includesone or more status and violation indicator lights 202 (on front, back orboth). A front facing camera 204 is disposed in the meter housing alongwith a microphone and speaker to provide two-way communication. Thefront side is provided with a touch responsive screen (GUI) 206. Aphysical key pad 208 can also be included in the housing. The key pad208 can be in the traditional phone numeral/alpha layout, or in anotherdesired configuration. Alternatively a touch pad, joystick or otherinput means can be included in the meter in addition to, or instead ofthe key pad 208 and/or the touch-responsive screen.

A card reader 210 is included in the meter and arranged to be operablefrom the front side. A traditional coin slot 212 can also be provided.Further, a near field communication (NFC) reader 214 assembly isdisposed in the meter housing on the front side to facilitate paymentvia NFC.

It can be seen from the rear side of the meter that the meter housingincludes dual wide angle cameras 216 to capture images/video for twoadjacent parking spots. An illumination light (e.g. white light emittingdiode) 218 is provided adjacent each camera to provide adequateillumination of the vehicle plate or other intended imaging target.

The coin vault or lockbox is maintained securely inside of the meterhousing, but can be accessed via key lock 220 on the rear side of thehousing.

The meter 200 further includes a microprocessor and non-transitivephysical memory. The memory contains software code that the processorexecutes to control operation of the meter. The same memory can alsostore the image/video/audio captured by the meter's cameras andmicrophone, or such information can be stored in a separate physicalmemory in the meter, or the image/video information can be transmittedto a remote location for storage, or any combination of the foregoing.

The meter can contain software code executable by the processor tofacilitate recognition of voice commands issued by an operator(customer) that are picked up by the meter's microphone. This may be thepreferred means of input to the meter by some users, including personshaving visual impairment.

The parking meter disclosed herein is an intelligent, self-containedcomputer-controlled device that, in certain embodiments, is linked to abroader security network via a high-speed internet connection as astealthy surveillance system. It has extensive data gatheringcapabilities given its three cameras, LPR feature, a speaker,microphone, and touch screen.

Data, including the time of stay of a vehicle in a given space can bemonitored and stored in a central database.

The cameras can be high-definition cameras, used to capture images andvideo. In one example usage, meters are placed about every forty feetalong a street. The two street-facing cameras on the back of the meterhead are furnished with wide-angle lenses that allow them to capture abroad field of view. Thus, all street activity can be captured,including vehicles, crowds, faces in crowds, suspicious objects andbanned substances. While the street-facing cameras are recording streetactivity, the front-facing cameras are trained on the sidewalk adjacentthe cameras to capture activity occurring on the sidewalk. Images can beused by law enforcement with vehicle and facial recognition applicationsto search for persons of interest and determine location and stealthilymonitor such persons. Alternatively, when a face match is found anotification can be sent out and/or alarm triggered.

Moreover, the captured license plate images can be converted to text asdiscussed previously and compared to a database of known plate numbersflagged for outstanding parking violations, criminal records, amberalerts, stolen cars, fugitives or terrorists, etc. The surveillancesystem thus automatically initiates notifications and appropriateresponse actions when a match is found. For example, the responses caninclude automatically generating a citation, notifying a police officer,summoning appropriate law enforcement, summoning firefighting personnel,or calling a tow truck.

The indicator lights 202 in one embodiment are red, and light up whenthe vehicle parked in the space is in violation. Additional lightsand/or multicolored lights can also be included to enhance the visualcues to users and potential users as discussed previously. For example,a green light can be lit when the meter is available. This aids personsin looking for available spots. An amber or yellow light can be used toindicate that the parking time will expire soon or that a grace periodis in effect. The lights can also be flashed to convey additionalinformation as may be desired. Corresponding explanatory messages arepreferably simultaneously displayed on the meter's screen 206.

In one embodiment, the touch screen 206 is an 8-inch high-definition,color touch screen. The customer interacts with the touch screen toselect parking options and enter payment information. The display canalso be commanded remotely via the back office server to broadcastemergency messages, instructions or warnings. For example, a tornadowarning, weather warnings, amber alerts, and other public broadcastnotifications. Community information can also be displayed. Paidadvertising can be displayed. Maps can be posted. The user can also berequested to respond to a poll. The user can also download certaininformation via the meter such as directions, directories, weather, andpersonal account information, access permitted Internet sites, call forhelp, report a crime, place a VOIP call or videoconference, purchasetickets, purchase passes, etc. Additional features and functions arediscusses throughout this specification. The meter thus functions as agovernment-connected community kiosk or portal.

A biometric identification means such as a finger print scanner, irisscanner or other biometric identification mechanism can be provided tothe meter in alternative embodiments. The biometric identification meanscan associate an individual's identification (if registered with thecontrol computer) with a given account or form of payment.

Referring to FIG. 12, the meter is shown in operation when combined withan in-ground vehicle sensor 222. The sensor 222 detects a vehicle'sarrival and departure and the meter's corresponding camera capturesphoto evidence of the car's license plate. The vehicle sensor can alsobe incorporated into the meter housing or the camera can be used todetect vehicle presence. The sensor 222 uses radar, laser, acoustic,motion sensor, or other suitable sensor mechanism to determine thepresence of the vehicle. The sensors can be either hard wired for poweror be battery operated. Use of low-power communications protocols suchas Bluetooth to communicate with the corresponding meter would provide auseful life of approximately five years before replacement is required.

Referring to FIG. 13, a screen shot of the interactive display screenfor a parking meter is shown according to certain embodiments. The touchscreen 206 is displaying a screen for the customer user to select adesired amount parking time prior to submission of payment for theselected time duration. The screen displays a price schedule 230 toadvise the user of the applicable pricing for parking in the spotcorresponding to the meter. Note that the price schedule indicatesvariable pricing depending on the specific time of day. For example,between the periods of 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, the price is $4 per hour.Otherwise it is $2 per hour. The portion of the price scheduleapplicable to the individual user is designated by highlighting theschedule corresponding to the current time of day 231 (5:46 pm in thisexample) with an indicator 232 and/or highlighted or alternate colortext. The gradations of time for the price schedule 230 can be finer orcoarser without departing from the scope of the invention.

The user presses the virtual up 234 and down 236 buttons on the screento increment the amount of desired parking time. A digital time display238 located between these buttons clearly indicates to the user theamount of selected time. A corresponding dollar total 240 is alsodisplayed adjacent to the time selection portion of the screen. Amaximum park time 242 is also displayed to advise the user of suchlimitation.

As the user increments/de-increments the amount of parking time untilthe desired amount of time is reached or the maximum time permitted isreached. The indicator 232 widens to reflect the selected amount oftime. This also visually cues the user in the event that theirincrementation of time has crossed into a different pricing tier. Oncethe user has finished selecting the time amount, they press the virtual“finish” button 244 on the screen, which will take them to a paymentscreen. At any time, the user can press the virtual “back” button 246 toreturn to the previous screen. The user may also select the virtual“help” button 248 to obtain further instructions and/or access a liveservice person.

Referring to FIG. 14, an alternative parking meter system is shown. Akiosk or master parking meter 300 like that discussed herein is disposedon a pole on the side of street adjacent two parking spaces (labeledhere as A and B). Rather than place additional meters adjacent theremaining spots for this street segment, a dual lens camera 302, 304 and306 is disposed on a pole so that images of the vehicles licenseplate/tag in spots B, C, D and E can be acquired. The cameras 302, 304and 306 adjacent spots B, C, D and E in this illustration thencommunicate with meter 300 wirelessly or via wired communicationsconduit so that the meter 300 can function as a monitoring and paymentkiosk for the cameras 302, 304 and 306 over a local area network.

The user interaction with the kiosk meter 300 is the same as describedabove, but with the additional step of the use inputting or selectingthe space corresponding to the user's vehicle. This can be provided innumerous ways, such as by labeling the spots on the pavement and/or bymarker poles, by asking the user to input their license plate number, orby asking the user to select their license plate number from the displayshowing all of the plates in the spots that the meter corresponds to inthe local area network.

In a further alternative, the cameras on poles 302, 304 and 306 can bereplaced with a camera embedded in the roadway 308 in each of spots B-E.The camera is disposed in an impact resistant plastic or crystalmaterial so that it can be driven over while maintaining aim at thevehicle's tag/plate. A fish-eye lens configuration can be defined in thecameral housing to expand the viewable area of the roadway camera 308.As with the pole-mounted cameras, the roadway cameras 308 communicatewirelessly or via wired connection to the kiosk meter 300. The roadwaycameras 308 can be powered by an internal battery and communication viawireless means so that installation is made easier since no wires needto be connected for power or communications. The cameras 308 “sleep”until woken for transmission and imaging duties. The sleep cycles aretriggered by internal timers or by a wake signal sent via the kioskmeter 300. Thus battery power can be conserved.

The “wireless” communication between the remote cameras 302, 304 and 306and the kiosk meter 300 can be via any conventional wireless protocol,including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, cellular, etc.

As an alternative to a patron entering their license plate number, thepatron could enter a space identification in the kiosk corresponding tothe particular spot in which they parked. This will be possible when thecamera can track the vehicle to a specific spot and associate thevehicle ID in memory as corresponding to the specific spot. The spotidentification can be provided in numerous ways, including numbers onthe pavement, numbers on a raised placard and/or a scannable (e.g. QRScode) provided to the spot that can be scanned by the patron'sSmartphone.

If a scannable feature is provided then the user can use an applicationon their Smartphone to add time, purchase passes or permits, find openspots, reserve spots, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a system for managing parking on a street 350using a minimal number of meters is shown. A plurality of parking spaces352 are defined longitudinally along the opposing curbs 351 on a sectionof a street 350. The depicted street is for one-way traffic, but thisembodiment is adaptable to two-way traffic as well.

A license plate recognition (LPR) enabled camera 354 is mounted on astructure across each of the entrance 356 and exit 358 of the definedstreet portion, thereby defining a monitoring system. The monitoringsystem reads the plates of each vehicle passing within the camera's viewand reports the data to the control computer. This arrangement permitsthe parking system to count cars, identify cars specifically, anddetermine just how long each car has dwelled on that street. Dwell timeon the street is determined for a car to drop off or pick up passengersor goods and then it is determined if the car was parked and for howlong, whether it was double parked—for how long- and provides the addedsecurity features in the above embodiments.

Where there are other exits, or parking lots along the same street,additional cameras can be mounted in positions to determine if thesevehicles should be excluded from the parking charges or any violations.

This embodiment can be used to totally eliminate the need for meters onthose streets where this would be applied and effective. Users could bepermitted through preregistration to park for pre-assigned periods, withor without parking charges as the permit allows.

Referring to FIG. 16, in use, the parking meter according to certainembodiments is in the default idle state 400. The meter periodicallyqueries the vehicle sensor to determine whether a vehicle is present402. If no vehicle present, then the meter remains in the idle state andcontinues its queries.

Once a vehicle is detected via the query 402, the meter goes into theactive state and begins timing a grace period 404 with the internaltimer as discussed previously. The grace period (e.g. 5 minutes) allowsthe vehicle's operator a reasonable time to interact with thecorresponding parking meter before a violation is determined. The graceperiod 404 accrues until payment is received 406 or the grace periodtimes out, in which case a violation is determined to have occurred 408.

The payment block 406 includes the driver selecting the desired amountof parking time or paying the fixed fee, as applicable. A parking spaceor license is also selected where necessary. Once payment is accepted,the parking period 410 begins.

The parking period 410 counts down the time that the user haspre-purchased until the vehicle exits the space 412 or the purchasedparking time expires, which results in a violation 408. While theparking time is counting down, the meter continues to query the vehiclesensor to determine whether and when the vehicle has left the space.

The driver can also be provided with a grace period at the end of thepurchased parking period. The driver's card can optionally be validatedor charged a fixed fee to ensure that it is valid, and then charged anadditional fee for any time spent past the pre-paid time.

The microcontroller (processor or microprocessor) commands the camera tocapture an image of the vehicle license plate (or other identificationinformation) as the vehicle enters the associated spot. The licenseplate image can also be captured again at the time the vehicle exits thespace and/or at the time a violation 408 is determined to have occurred,or both. Images and/or video of the entire parking event (from entranceto exit of the parking space) can be captured, stored in memory and/ortransmitted to the central computer system for any of the camerascoupled to the microcontroller.

Each camera can be individually commanded via the central computer toallow remote viewing of each camera's feed via authorized phone, tablet,or computer for lawful surveillance and security. Thus, for example, lawenforcement agencies can be provided with a network of street-levelcameras at approximately adult-chest-height or eye-height through whichsurveillance and security can be conducted.

A violation timer can also be initiated at the time a violation occurs408 in order to determine the duration of a violation. This latterinformation can be used to determine escalating violation penalties, ifdesired by the municipality. A violation can also be reported to lawenforcement authorities at the time it occurs, or once the violationendures for a set period of time (e.g. 24 hours).

In a “no parking” mode, such as during declared snow emergencies, bypolice order, or other temporary no parking circumstance, the meter willquery the spot for the presence of a vehicle 402 and immediatelydetermine that a violation has occurred 408 upon the vehicle's entry inthe spot, or after a grace period has occurred 404.

Violations are determined in one embodiment by the timer algorithmsprogrammed into the meter's microprocessor 110 or into the centralcontrol computer 120 that is part of the LAN or into a control computer120 that is in communication with the meter via the internet.

A driver can also purchase violation insurance at the time of initialparking purchase 406. When a user selects and pays for the insuranceoption, the meter will automatically “feed” itself until the maximumallowable time is reached, by debiting the appropriate amount on theuser's credit card.

A driver whose vehicle has been determined to be in violation 408 can beprovided with a violation notice at the time that the driver interactswith the meter for a second time. In such circumstance, the driver canbe presented with the option to acknowledge their violation and makecorresponding payment via the meter. This feature makes for efficientviolations collections. As an enticement, the driver in violation canoptionally be provided with a discounted violation fee or fine if theypay immediately at the meter.

In a further embodiment, a vehicle whose identification is known to haveunpaid parking or other violations can be denied parking services bymatching the vehicle's identification information with a black list ofbanned vehicles. In such embodiment, the vehicle ID is read at the timethe car is detected 402. The ID is transmitted to the control computer120, which then returns an indication of the vehicle's status on theblack list. The driver could then be provided with an opportunity to paythose past violations at the meter to obtain parking clearance, inaddition to any parking fee for the present parking event.

The feature of each parking meter being in communication with a centralcontrol computer (also referred to herein as a back office server)allows for the easy changing of parking rates and parameters fordifferent times of day and for events. For example, parking rates duringthe work day can be charged at a higher hourly rate with a smallermaximum time limit compared to hourly parking rates and time limits inthe evening. Grace periods can be changed and modified depending on timeof day. No parking modes can be set. Meters in certain locations canhave their rates changed to manage supply and demand for spaces in agiven area. Also, the rates during events, such as concerts and sportingevents, can be significantly increased and the duration can be changedto correspond to the event duration. This allows the municipality tooptimize revenue potential of their meters. And the changes can beprogrammed via the central control computer to occur automatically orthe changes can be entered manually via the central control computer andpushed to the target meters where the change is desired.

According to an additional aspect, a user can establish an account withthe municipality (or its private contracted designee) to deposit apositive balance in a driver's account. Then the driver can be given aproximity card that can be read with a proximity card reader included inthe meter. The driver's account is then debited an amount correspondingto the duration of parking. The driver would thus not need to interactwith the meter at all unless a violation occurred. However, the driver'scar license plate would continue to be imaged when the vehicle enteredand exited a given parking space. The driver would be found in violationif their corresponding account balance dropped below zero.Alternatively, the license plate could be associated with the account,and any parking fee automatically deducted from the correspondingaccount. Thus, the driver would not need to interact with the meter atall.

Each meter connected to the central control computer 120 continuallyreports its status as being occupied or unoccupied. This allows foranalysis to be performed for a variety of reasons, such as priceadjustments, traffic analysis, urban planning, etc.

The meter status data in an additional embodiment can be accessed bymembers of the public through a public interface in order to find ameter location corresponding to an available parking spot. A smartphoneapplication can be provided that accesses the geographic locationinformation of meters with open parking spaces and present the driverwith map application data (e.g. Google Maps or similar) so that thedriver can quickly and easily find an available parking spot.

The central computer can also push coupons and ads to the driver'ssmartphone by sending the coupon data to the corresponding meter fortransmission to the user's phone. Alternatively, the meter can transmitthe coupons without need to communicate with the central computer.

The specific coupons and ads pushed can correspond to the specificgeographic location that the driver has parked and/or based upon thetype of vehicle parked in the space. This allows local merchants to payfor territorial scope in which their ads/coupons are distributed, and becharged accordingly for such distribution. Also the driver can be servedwith ads and coupons targeted to their particular demographic. Eachmeter can display ads on the meter's GUI for the driver to receive in asimilar matter. The user can alternatively obtain coupons via the meterthrough NFC protocols. The coupons can be targeted to the driver basedupon demographics, including geography, car type, parking frequency andother data corresponding to the owner of the vehicle.

In certain arrangements, each parking space is monitored by anassociated camera and one master meter interacts with multiple separatecameras. In this embodiment, at least one of the camera units isseparate from the parking meter. Each camera unit can communicate withits respective master parking meter to be controlled by that meter. Thisembodiment allows for the use of fewer costly parking meters by having asingle meter interact with multiple cameras that monitor a plurality ofparking spaces.

License plate (or other vehicle ID) information for automobiles parkingin the monitored spaces can be transmitted to law enforcementauthorities upon the vehicle entering and leaving the space. Thisinformation can be useful for a variety of reasons, including trackingsuspected criminals or monitoring suspicious activity. For example, aparticular vehicle may be associated with a person of interest to lawenforcement authorities and such authorities may be able to track anddetermine the whereabouts of such person from the monitored vehicle IDinformation.

In addition to the automatic collection of vehicle ID data as describedabove, the meter can be actively commanded remotely to performsurveillance. This can include being remotely activated to obtainpictures and video via the cameras. The cameras can also be remotelyaimed if so configured. For example, a law enforcement agency caninterface, via the central computer or the corresponding LAN, with oneor more meters to selectively activate the camera(s) to acquire picturesand/or video.

The cameras in the meters can further be configured and used to performfacial recognition of the user, of passersby, or of any selected personwithin the cameras effective field of view.

The meters can also include a microphone for voice capture and a speakerfor audio transmission. Audio data can thus also be recorded bothpassively and actively as described for video/pictures herein. The audiocapability further permits the user to selectively communicate with aconcierge, with law enforcement authorities, with medical professionals,with towing services, with a help desk and also make calls (using thevoice over internet protocol) to anyone of the user's choice. The usercan also make two-way video conference calls using the meter's camera,microphone and speaker.

Any number of additional sensors may be deployed here to listen, see,and interact with the meter's environment and to provide data andintelligence to the community, including beaconing technology thatpermits smart phone interaction and data exchange automatically for realtime user-to-meter alerts and information exchanges.

If the vehicle's license plate cannot be read when the vehicle enters amonitored spot, the meter display will request the driver to enter theirvehicle ID information and will associate said ID with the image of thevehicle obtained when the vehicle enters and leaves the space. If thedriver fails to enter the vehicle ID information, then a violationnotice is given and law enforcement authorities are summoned. The metercan also notify an officer to manually spot check the vehicle tovalidate whether parking privileges are being abused; for example toverify a user who selects the handicap button. Additionally, a parkingenforcement officer or other official can validate certain parkingevents remotely by manually reviewing photos of the license plate from anetwork-enabled device.

The meters are configured to monitor their functionality and reportstatus to the control computer at regular intervals. For example, themicroprocessor can be configured to run a self-diagnostic once per day(or other selected interval) and then report the results to the centralcontrol computer. Users can also report errors through the GUI and themeter can also self-report errors encountered during operation. Thecontrol computer can then use this information to automatically dispatchservice personnel to meters that report errors or that have failed toreport at the expected time. A meter that has not communicated with thecontrol computer within a specified time will be reported as in need ofservice automatically by the control computer.

A further feature of certain embodiments is the ability of user tocharge vehicles equipped with electric storage capability (e.g.batteries) via interface with the meter while parked in thecorresponding spot. In such embodiment, the meter or other correspondingstructure is equipped with a charging port and electricity supplyconfigured to allow the user to plug in their vehicle for recharging.The meter can be configured to allow user to purchase the electricity,if desired by the municipality supplying the electricity, with paymentmade via the meter's user interface and any of the payment meansdescribed herein.

It is also to be understood that when the act of taking a picture isreferenced, that this can include taking a plurality of pictures orvideo as part of a given picture taking action. The images taken by thecamera(s) are digitally coded with date, time, camera number, meternumber, and space number. The camera(s) can be provided with flash (e.g.LED flash) and light sensor components to achieve desired image quality.An accelerometer can be included in the meter in order to provide forimpact detection.

The meter can be programmed to make video or audio calls through itsuser interface and internet connectivity. In particular, the meter canprovide a quick link to call emergency services (e.g. 911) with a singletouch. A videoconference link can be established with emergency servicesas well. Additional call options can be included, such as conciergeservices, 311 services/reporting, roadside assistance and calls to anyindividual number the customer wishes to enter. Other video conference,voice-over-IP services and instant messaging clients can further beprogrammed to be accessible via the meter. A web browser can also beprovided. The user can access direction information (e.g. currentlocation, directions to a destination, nearby points of interest, etc.)through a custom directions menu or via the internet (e.g. Google Maps).The user can further access weather information through a custom menu orvia the internet.

The microphone provides the audio input for parking patrons who wish totalk with a customer service representative. They can also be remotelyswitched on continuously to listen for hostile foot traffic or gunfireand provide corresponding location information to the authorities.Speakers provide the audio output from the customer servicerepresentative on a call. They can also be used to broadcastinformational or emergency messages from a command and control center.

The meter can also include an RFID (radio frequency identification)reader to pick up and track tags in addition to the NFC reader notedabove that facilitates contactless payment.

A meter can be configured with progressive pricing rates, for example,$1 for the first hour, $2 for the second hour, $4 for the third hour, $8for the fourth hour, etc. in order to encourage turnover of the space.Pricing can be dynamically altered based upon time of day, day of weekor congestion levels as well. The congestion levels can be defined as aratio of occupied spaces to available spaces in a given area, or itcould be defined as a volume of traffic flowing on a given roadway. Bothof the foregoing can be manually initiated or automated by the controlcomputer respectively calculating the space utilization ratio andinterfacing with traffic control systems that monitor traffic congestionor based upon insurance statistics regarding accidents, traffic, etc.

Every meter space can be selectably identified as a handicap space, snowemergency no parking, no parking, or other classification via centralcontrol.

The meter can also include a wireless transmitter/receiver antenna topermit the meter to operate as a Wi-Fi hot spot.

The screen can be programmed to present the user with advertising forlocal vendors and the ability to instantly receive couponselectronically on a smart phone. Display advertising can be deliveredbased on the type of car parked in the space, from license plate data,and/or other metric.

The meter can include a database of permit holders that are permitted topark for free or at a reduced rate. For example, a given class of person(e.g. municipal employees, handicapped individuals, neighborhoodresidents, senior citizens, military veterans, monthly parking passholders, etc.) associated with a given vehicle's registration could bepermitted to park for free at certain meters or during certain times ofthe day or be subject to reduced rates and fines everywhere or atcertain meters. Residents of buildings and houses in a givenneighborhood or area could be permitted to park free or pay reducedrates at meters in the vicinity to their residence address (and even ononly certain days). This ability to designate multiple different classrules for parking authorization, parking parameters (e.g., grace periodlength and maximum parking time), corresponding rates (e.g., general,free and discount, etc.), corresponding fine rates, and evengeographically customize certain privileges for individual vehicles isnot possible with conventional parking meters and permitting schemes.

The meter can automatically recognize that a given vehicle belongs to aparticular class based upon reading the vehicles license plate.Alternatively, a driver can enter a code, swipe a pass/voucher/card, orenter other identification at the meter that changes the parking classrules applicable to the instant parking occurrence. For example, toinitiate the discount fee, the driver can manually type in a code at themeter, or the driver can use a credit card on file with the controlcomputer that gives a discount, or the driver can use their cell phoneto transmit a discount code to the meter, or the driver can use theirphone to bump the discount code wirelessly to the meter, or the usercould use a finger print scanner on the meter to identify themselves asa person entitled to a discount.

A merchant can establish a parking account associated with the controlcomputer so that parking pass or discount codes can be distributed tocustomers, as desired, and then the corresponding merchant's account canbe debited for the parking fee covered by the pass/discount. Forexample, a merchant may want to attract customers by offering to coverthe cost of parking for any customer purchasing more than a certaindollar amount of goods from that merchant. Then the merchant can providesuch qualifying customers with a one-time parking pass code to beentered at the meter when the customer returns to their car. By enteringthe code, the customer is credited back their pre-paid parking fee andthe parking fee is deducted from the merchant's account.

In addition to discounting the cost to park, other parking parameterscan be altered for certain individuals based upon their authorized classrules as noted above. These other parameters can be any operatingparameter of the meter, including the cost of the fine free insurance,length of grace period, maximum parking time, immediate fine paydiscount, etc. The code can also be used for certain authorizedindividuals, to allow parking at meters that are in a no parkingcondition. This latter example would allow the meter to be reserved bynot permitting parking except for a recognized individual person orvehicle.

The customer can obtain event tickets or purchase other services (e.g.parking passes) through the meter interface and payment means. In suchembodiment, the meter can function as a point of sale (POS) device forvirtually any product or service, including payment of bills (e.g. waterand electric bills), payment of parking fines or other fines, access toconcierges, etc.

The meter's cameras can also be programmed to detect the expirationstatus of a vehicles ID plates or tags, and also issue a correspondingviolation notice for expired status.

An inebriated driver can easily request a driving alternative, such as acab, to get a ride home via the use interface of the meter.Additionally, a self-reporting “drunk button” on the meter's screen canbe selected by the driver, which would pardon the driver from having tomove their car while intoxicated as well as automatically calling thedriver a sober cab. In this embodiment, the button on meter screen iseasily accessible for impaired people in which the parking event can belengthened or excused for a certain amount of time. The use of thisfeature can be tracked for each instance by associating it with a givenlicense plate to ensure that the feature is not being overused. Suchmonitoring would also flag authorities if the button is pressed forvehicles bearing special status license plates, such as for repeat DUIoffenders with so-called whiskey plates. A small fee could also belevied in the discretion of the municipality. Notification will beautomatically sent to law enforcement if the drunk button is pressed andthe car subsequently vacates the spot within a pre-defined a timeinterval.

If a driver with a handicap permit parks in a monitored space, thedriver selects “Handicap” as an option through the GUI. The GUI shows awarning that a valid handicap plate or placard must be displayed. Thesystem notifies the central control computer of the handicap selection.A list of license plates registered to handicap permit holders can beused to confirm permit usage, and flag non-corresponding vehicles forfollow up by parking enforcement personnel. A registered license platenoted by the central control computer as that belonging to a handicapdriver can eliminate the need to select the handicap option because theoption will be set automatically.

When a violation is determined, the meter sends the photos and detailsof the violation to the control computer as shown in FIG. 17. Thecontrol computer informs the meter that a ticket has been issued and themeter turns on the violation light. When the violating driver approachesthe meter display, the meter notifies the user that they have received aticket. The meter offers a choice between an immediate discountedpayment or future payment at full price. The user can choose to payimmediately at the discount, or to receive a violation sent to theirmailing address associated with the vehicle registration.

As shown in FIG. 17, the Violation is assigned a violation number fortracking purposes. A picture of the vehicle and its license platedetails and state of registration are indicated. Pertinent violationdata such as the reasons or basis for finding a violation, time stamps,fine and payment are each provided. The plate information can be editedand the violation manually cleared in certain embodiments.

The meter can also be configured to allow for a predetermined andlimited post-time expiration grace period make-up fee payment to avoid aviolation. In such situation, the driver entered the space, paid for afixed period of time, but did not pre-purchase fine-free insurancedescribed previously, and then returned five minutes after the timeexpired. In such situation according to this feature, the userapproaches the meter. The user selects his/her parking spot. The displayshows a grace period notification for the user, notifying the user thatthey are five minutes late, if they pay for the extra time, they willnot get a ticket. The user chooses to pay for the extra time. The userenters the vehicle and leaves. The system takes a photo of the car andlicense plate, including the time and details of the user's interactionwith the system.

In another alternative scenario, the driver entered the space, paid forhalf a fixed period of time, paid for the fine-free insurance, andreturned five minutes after the meter time expired. In this situation,the user approaches the meter. The meter displays a choice of spot. Theuser selects their parking spot. The meter shows that the credit cardfine-free feature has charged their credit card for extra time to coverthe overage. The user enters the vehicle and leaves. The meter takes aphoto of the car and license plate, including the time and details ofthe user's interaction with the system.

The meter can be configured with a maximum parking time. The GUI willindicate to the driver the maximum time amount and will not allow thedriver to select more time than permitted. If the vehicle remains parkedin the spot for more than the maximum time, then a violation isautomatically determined. The fine-free insurance and anyport-expiration grace periods are inapplicable.

Once a vehicle departs a space, the meter transmits its empty status tothe control computer, the meter is reset to zero minutes remaining andany violation status is removed.

The meter is also configured with a maintenance mode. This mode isinitiated either by the control computer, by an attendant swiping anauthorized “maintenance attendant” card, or by entering an assignedkeypad combination. Once this mode is entered, the meter display shows amaintenance mode menu. The attendant chooses between “Cash out” and“Control Unit.” The attendant enters a passcode. If the passcode isincorrect, the system notifies the control computer. If the passcode isrepeatedly incorrect, it starts the system alarm. If the passcode iscorrect, the system disables internal alarms and transmits accessnotification to the control computer. When maintenance is complete, themeter exits maintenance mode. Alarms are reactivated. The meter notifiesthe control computer that it has returned to normal service mode.

If the meter receives an impact greater than a set threshold value asmeasured by an internal sensor, then the meter issues an alarm andnotifies the control computer. The alarm is audible and visible. Thealarm continues until the expiration of a predefined impact alarmduration.

If the meter enclosure is opened without prior entry of the propercredentials, then the meter issues an alarm and notifies the controlcomputer.

Alarms can be manually or automatically deactivated by the controlcomputer. An alarm can also be deactivated at the meter by entry of acorresponding code or entry of other credential. If the alarm isinterrupted by loss of power, for example due to a vandal cutting thepower line or removing the controller, then the alarm will continue whenpower is restored.

If the driver/user elects to pay via NFC, the meter's display promptsthe user to hold their phone or NFC wallet to the NFC reader. The metertransmits the data to the control computer which interfaces with theappropriate institution to validate the account. If the validation isdeclined, the user is informed and asked to select another paymentmethod. If the amount required to pay is greater than the balance, theuser is prompted for an additional payment method. When the payment iscompleted, a transaction ID is displayed which allows receipt retrievalover the Internet.

If the driver elects to pay with an account, then the meter's displayprompts the user to enter their account ID or swipe an account card. Thedriver enters the ID/swipes the card. The system prompts the user toenter their PIN. The driver enters the PIN. The meter corresponds withthe central computer to validate the account, and the available balance.If the validation is declined, the user is informed and asked to selectanother payment method. If the amount required to pay is greater thanthe balance, the user is prompted for an additional payment method. Whenthe payment is completed, a transaction ID is displayed which allowsreceipt retrieval over the Internet.

The user can replenish their account via the meter as well. The meter'sdisplay prompts the user to enter their account ID/swipe card. Thedriver enters the ID/swipe card. The meter system prompts the user toenter their PIN. The driver enters the PIN. The meter via the controlcomputer validates the account, and the available balance. The meterthen prompts the user for additional payment to add to the account. Thepayment can be made via any means described herein; including EFT of theparking account if associated with a bank account. When the payment iscompleted, a transaction ID is displayed which allows receipt retrievalover the Internet.

The meter owners/operators are provided with the ability to change manyof the operating parameters of any one or more meters, including thefees, schedules, passcodes, grace periods, maximum time, and permittedcards. Each meter's settings can be accessed through a control screenaccessible to the owner/operator via the control computer. Theowner/operator can be provided with secured remote access to anowner/operator subsystem within the control computer system. Updateddata is pushed to the selected meter(s), which implement the newsettings as soon as the current space is vacated.

Referring to FIG. 18, an owner/operator maintenance screen is shown. Thescreen includes one block for each meter in the location selected by theuser. In a previous screen, not shown the user would be provided with alist of meter locations by area or other grouping that corresponds tothe user's login credentials. By selecting a particular area from thelist, the user then is presented with the screen like that shown in FIG.18.

In an alternative, the owner/operator is presented with an interactivemap indicating each meter corresponding to the user's credentials. Bymoving the cursor on the user's screen over a given meter, relevant datafor the meter would is displayed.

By clicking on a meter block in FIG. 18, or on a particular meter in theinteractive map, the owner/operator will be presented with a detailedmeter status screen similar to that shown in FIG. 17.

The user can also select a rate block screen, such as that shown in FIG.19, for each meter. The rate block screen presents the current rate dataschedule for each meter for each day of the week and for every hour oneach day. This visual depiction makes it easy for the owner/operator toquickly appreciate the current rate settings. Individual rate blocks canbe edited in this screen by selecting the block and entering the newrate data.

Additional parameters or settings for the meter can be accessed in asettings screen as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. Both figures are upperand lower portions of a single screen that is navigated by the screenscroll bar. Alterable settings include: idle message, help message,initial parking grace period, violation grace period, maximum durationof parking period, instant pay discount rate for parking violationpayment, full fine fee and service fee for purchasing fine-freeinsurance. Each setting can be altered via the corresponding editablefield. More or less editable parameters can be provided to theowner/operator without departing from the scope of the invention.

The control computer can also be configured to generate a variety ofreports to the owner/operator for any one or more meter for a given timeperiod. For example, monthly revenue can be summarized on a per-meterbasis for all meters in a given municipality. Because every transactionis reported and stored in the control computer, the data and reports canbe generated without querying the meter. Also, the meter thus does nothave to maintain much or any transaction data, which reduces cost of themeter because memory size can be minimized, and also makes the systemmore secure and robust because the data is centrally stored.

The above-described features increase ease of use by drivers, ease ofmanagement by municipalities and optimize revenue capture by themunicipality. The automated operation also minimizes the number ofparking enforcement officers needed for a given number of meteredparking spaces. Law enforcement officials are also able to better findand track persons and vehicles of interest.

In this application the terms “credit card” and “debit card” have beenused. It is intended that these terms encompass the entire spectrum ofcard form payments, including; credit cards, debit cards, smart cards,stored value cards, proprietary parking cards, and parking passes. Itwill be appreciated by one skilled in that art that there are a varietyof payment acceptance mechanisms that can be utilized, whether coin,paper bills, or credit card as described above.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred exampleembodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed exampleembodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can be madethereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, such scope to be accorded the broadest interpretation of theappended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures andproducts.

For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it isexpressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraphof 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for”or “step for” are recited in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A parking meter, comprising: a weather resistanthousing, the housing having a first side and a second side; a processordisposed inside of the housing a memory disposed inside of the housingand coupled to the processor; a network interface disposed in thehousing and coupled to the processor; a graphical user interfacedisposed in the housing and facing outward from the first side of thehousing; a first camera disposed in the housing and facing outward fromthe first side of the housing, the first camera coupled to theprocessor; a microphone disposed in the housing; a speaker disposed inthe housing; a second camera disposed in the housing and facing outwardfrom the second side of the housing towards a first parking space, thesecond camera coupled to the processor; a first status light disposed onthe housing and coupled to the processor; and a payment acceptordisposed in the housing, wherein the processor is configured to: detecta vehicle's presence in the first parking space; capture anidentification of the vehicle in the first parking space; transmit theidentification to a remote computer system via the network interface;time an initial grace period; receive payment for a parking time period;determine that a parking violation has occurred due to at least one ofthe initial grace period expiring without receiving payment for theparking time period and the parking time period expiring without thevehicle exiting the first parking space; actuate the status light toprovide a visual indication that a violation has occurred; transmitnotice of the parking violation to the remote computer system via thenetwork interface, the notice including the vehicle's identification anda time of the violation; accept payment of a fine for the parkingviolation via the payment acceptor; transmit notice of payment of thefine to the remote computer system via the network interface; transmit atime of the vehicle's exit from the first parking space to the remotecomputer system via the network interface; and reset the parking timeperiod to zero upon the vehicle's exit from the first parking space; andreceive updated parking rate parameters from the remote computer systemvia the network interface.
 2. The parking meter of claim 1, furthercomprising a third camera disposed in the housing and facing outwardfrom the housing towards a second parking space, the third cameracoupled to the processor.
 3. The parking meter of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is further configured to receive an emergency call request viaan input to the meter and initiate a two-way video conference with anemergency services operator.
 4. The parking meter of claim 1, whereinthe processor is further configured to define a maximum parking time anddisplay the maximum parking time on the graphical user interface.
 5. Theparking meter of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured todisplay via the graphical user interface, after a violation isdetermined, a notice that the fine can be paid at a discount rate priorto the vehicle exiting the first parking space.
 6. The parking meter ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: define aplurality of parking class rules; and determine which class rule appliesto the vehicle in the first parking space.
 7. The parking meter of claim6, wherein the processor is further configured to determine which classrule applies based upon a class designation associated with thevehicle's identification either as maintained in the memory or ascommunicated by the remote computer system.
 8. The parking meter ofclaim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to determine whichclass rule applies based upon a class code input to the meter during theinitial grace period.
 9. The parking meter of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is further configured to display a message on the graphicaluser interface in response to a command received from the remotecomputer system.
 10. The parking meter of claim 1, wherein the processoris further configured to actuate at least one of the first and secondcameras and transmit an output of the actuated cameras to the remotecomputer system over the network interface.
 11. The parking meter ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: calculate atotal parking fee in response to a selected amount of time, wherein thetotal parking fee comprises a first parking rate for a first portion ofthe selected amount of time and a second parking rate for a secondportion of the selected amount of parking time, the second parking ratebeing different than the first parking rate; display the first parkingrate and first subtotal for the first portion of the selected amount oftime on the graphical user interface; display the second parking rateand a second subtotal for the second portion of the selected amount oftime on the graphical user interface; and display the total parking feeon the graphical user interface.
 12. A method of monitoring and managingparking via a parking meter comprising: a housing; a processor disposedinside of the housing; a memory disposed inside of the housing andcoupled to the processor; a graphical user interface coupled to theprocessor; and a network interface disposed in the housing and coupledto the processor, the method comprising: sensing a vehicle's presence ina first parking space; determining by the processor an identification ofthe vehicle via a camera; communicating via the network interface theidentification of the vehicle to a remote networked computer system;determining by the processor that a parking violation has occurred dueto at least one of an initial grace period expiring without receiving apayment and a parking time period expiring without the vehicle exitingthe first parking space prior the parking period expiring; communicatingnotice of the parking violation to the remote networked computer system;displaying on the graphical user interface of the meter that a violationhas occurred, the amount of fine due, and a discount fine amount if thefine is paid before the vehicle departs the first parking space;communicating status of payment of the fine to the remote computersystem via the network interface; transmitting a time of the vehicle'sexit from the first parking space to the remote computer system via thenetwork interface; resetting the parking time period to zero upon thevehicle's exit from the first parking space; and receiving updatedparking rate parameters by the processor from the remote computer systemvia the network interface.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the stepof sensing a vehicle's presence in a first parking space is performed bya camera disposed adjacent the first parking space.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the step of sensing a vehicle's presence in a firstparking space is performed by a sensor disposed beneath the firstparking space.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising initiatinga two-way video conference with an emergency services operator inresponse to an emergency call request input to the meter.
 16. The methodof claim 12, further comprising defining a plurality of parking classrules and determining which class rule applies to the vehicle in thefirst parking space.
 17. The parking meter of claim 16, wherein thedetermination of which class rule applies is based upon a classdesignation associated with the vehicle's identification either asmaintained in the memory or as communicated by the remote computersystem.
 18. The method of claim 12, further comprising displaying acommunity message on the graphical user interface in response to acommand received from the remote computer system.
 19. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising displaying at least one of a coupon and anadvertisement on the graphical user interface in response to the sensingof the vehicle's presence in the first parking space.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the coupon and/or advertisement is selected based upona determination of vehicle type for the vehicle in the first parkingspace.
 21. The method of claim 12, further comprising remotely actuatinga camera disposed in the meter to transmit an output of the camera tothe remote computer system over the network interface.
 22. A method ofmanaging parking via a parking meter comprising: a housing; a processordisposed inside of the housing; a memory disposed inside of the housingand coupled to the processor, and a graphical user interface coupled tothe processor, the method comprising: receiving a selection of a parkingtime quantity by a user by the user providing an input to the meter;calculating a total parking fee in response to a selected amount ofparking time, wherein the total parking fee comprises a first parkingrate for a first portion of the selected amount of time and a secondparking rate for a second portion of the selected amount of parkingtime, the second parking rate being different than the first parkingrate; displaying the first parking rate and a first subtotal fee portionfor the first portion of the selected amount of time on the graphicaluser interface; displaying the second parking rate and a second subtotalfee portion for the second amount of time on the graphical userinterface; and display the total parking fee on the graphical userinterface.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first parking rateand the second parking rate are variable depending on a class rulecorresponding to input provided by the user.